At work, teachers face a number of challenges. From managing difficult classrooms to burnout and administrative pressures, this job can generate high levels of stress. Some people perceive teaching as a relatively safe field in comparison to other occupations, such as those in construction. However, teachers suffer many injuries and occupational illnesses each year.
It is essential for teachers to understand the different risks that they face at work, the prevalence of job-related injuries and the options in front of them in the wake of an injury.
Data on teachers and occupational injuries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 176,000 job-related injuries affected elementary and secondary school teachers in local governments over the course of 2021. Unfortunately, this reflects a 20.1% uptick in comparison to 2020. In 2019, the number of work-related injuries and illnesses was even higher (218,900).
Recovering from a job-related injury as a teacher
Teachers face a wide variety of risk factors at work. While working around so many children, some become very sick and have to miss work due to an illness. In addition, teachers can become hurt due to repetitive strain, falling down and even violence. Sometimes, these injuries and illnesses make it impossible for teachers to return to work, causing serious financial problems.
It is essential for teachers who suffer injuries while performing their job duties to review possible strategies that could help them move forward. For example, workers’ compensation benefits help many injured teachers restore some normalcy in their lives.
